The original fast-track recovery breast augmentation experience! Learn More

​What are Teardrop Breast Implants?

what are tear drop breast implants

Teardrop breast implants are an alternative to round breast implants. Many women opt for teardrops due to their more natural look and feel vs. the round implants that have been the staple of plastic surgeons for many years.

They come in several brands such as: Mentor, Allergan and Silimed. Despite the marketing hype, there really isn’t one good brand to recommend over the others. Each plastic surgeon has his/her favorite brand that has worked well for them (and their patients) over the years.

Originally designed for women who needed reconstructive breast surgery, they were recently approved for use in America by the FDA in 2012. Prior to that, they were only available in many parts of Europe and select medical study centers.

As the years went by, more and more women opted for a more natural look and feel vs. the traditional high cleavage round implants that have become synonymous with the word “breast implants”.

Why are They Called Teardrop Implants?

Teardrop implants are aptly named because they resemble a human tear. The teardrop breast shape has a wide, round base that gently slopes upward, giving a more natural appearance. They are designed to maintain their shape and are sometimes referred to as “Gummy drop” or “Form-stable”. A different way to describe it would be to think of a piece of memory foam. As you press on it, it naturally depresses. When you release pressure, the memory foam reverts back to its original shape.

They are also designed in a wide variety of shapes. While the general profile is that of a teardrop, you can find ones that have a “tall” profile and a “wide” profile. The reason for this is that one size does not fit all. Women’s bodies are unique and as such the surgeon will make a recommendation as to which profile/implant will look right on your body. Ultimately, the final decision lies in your hands.

What Benefits Do Teardrop Implants Have?

Teardrop breast implants were originally intended for women who were looking to have reconstructive breast surgery, but after a few years more and more women started opting for the teardrop look vs. the older “rounded” look. At the end of the day, you’re probably going to get less attention (from both men and women) if you opt for teardrops over rounded implants.

Teardrops are also great for women who have very little breast tissue to begin with due to the fact that shaped implants (teardrops) help define the shape of the breast without creating the unnatural looking round shape that’s a telltale sign of most older implants.

They are also good if the nipple on the breast is in a position that is lower than ideal and the person wants to improve the nipple position without undergoing a breast lift.

Aside from coming in many different sizes and shapes, teardrops also come with one of two kinds of fills: Saline and Silicone. Each has its own benefits:

Saline

  • Requires smaller incision than it would for a silicon implant of the same size.
  • Generally speaking, saline implants tend to cost less than silicon.
  • If a saline implant breaks or ruptures, it will be completely harmless. The size and shape of the breast will instantly deflate and it will be very noticeable that there is a problem (and you should call the doctor ASAP).
  • Saline implants have a flexible fill volume that the doctor can adjust according to aesthetics as well as the shape/size that you desire.

Silicone

  • Implants are filled with a very thick gel, that holds shape and gives off the feel of real breast tissue.
  • Silicone implants tend to have less wrinkles and rippling than saline ones.
  • If silicone implants rupture, the breast will retain its natural shape and no gel will be spilled out into the body.
  • These kinds of implants have a standard fill volume for predictable results. What you see is what you get.

I Want Teardrop Implants! Now What?

First you need to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Keep in mind that while teardrops are meant for a more natural look, they’re probably not going to be as noticeable as rounded ones are (due to the lack of cleavage on a teardrop vs. round implant). They also tend to cost a bit more than the rounded ones.

When you talk with your surgeon, be sure to ask as many questions as you can. You can never be too certain on the type of implants you choose.

Teardrop implants are also more technically challenging for the surgeon and the end result can be highly contingent upon the skill of the surgeon. They can be hard to place in the right area for a natural look. If you choose an experienced plastic surgeon, you can feel confident that you will be happy and satisfied with how your new breasts look.




Videos

Adams Philosophy

Dr. Adams reviews his practice philosophy of the renowned Breast and Body Contouring click here.

3D Breast Imaging

Patient rate 3D imaging as #1 advance! click here.

View more videos...

Patient Testimonials

“Dr. Adams and his staff are absolutely amazing. I drove from out of state to see Dr. Adams.”
“Overall, best experience from any other surgeon I visited!.”